Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend and commentator, said that after Manchester City signed superstar goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, he changed his view on City's Premier League title prospects.
At the start of the season, he thought City had no chance of winning the title at all because there was an obvious problem in the goalkeeper position, but now they have a goalkeeper who can help them win the league. Before signing Donnarumma, without bringing in a goalkeeper of this caliber, they had absolutely no chance of competing for the title.
Donnarumma once again delivered an excellent performance, helping Manchester City defeat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and keeping the title race in suspense.
Manchester City made a surprise move to sign the Italian international at the end of the summer transfer window, eventually bringing him to the Etihad Stadium for £26 million.
James Trafford had previously joined from Burnley for £31 million and was originally seen as City's first-choice goalkeeper this season, but the England U21 star was quickly replaced by Donnarumma, who has won both the Champions League and the European Championship.
Although Manchester City have not been at their best this season, they are still in a fierce title race with Arsenal, and Donnarumma has stepped up on multiple occasions.
In the closing stages of this thrilling Premier League showdown on Sunday, the 26-year-old made a brilliant save to block Alexis Mac Allister's shot, helping City hold on to the victory.
After Szoboszlai scored a brilliant free kick, Manchester City once seemed set to trail league leaders Arsenal by nine points.
Pep Guardiola's side were still behind with only 10 minutes left in the game, but thanks to two late winning goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland, they finally took three points from Anfield.
Carragher still backs Arsenal, who are six points ahead, to win their first league title since 2004, but he emphasized that Donnarumma has the ability to lead City to lift the Premier League trophy, and before signing Donnarumma, City had absolutely no chance of competing for the title.
"At the start of the season, I thought Manchester City had no chance of winning the title at all because there was an obvious problem in the goalkeeper position," Carragher told Sky Sports after City's win over Liverpool.
"No one can win the Premier League without a top goalkeeper. And Donnarumma is undoubtedly such a player— a Champions League winner and a member of Italy's European Championship-winning team."
"They now have a goalkeeper who can help them win the league. Before signing him, without bringing in a goalkeeper of this caliber, they had absolutely no chance of competing for the title."
City's match-winner Haaland also praised Donnarumma highly, calling him the "best goalkeeper in the world."
"You all saw in the second half that Liverpool played football of a very high standard," Haaland said.
"Look at Gigi (Donnarumma)'s save— it was incredible. That's why he's the best in the world."
"To be honest, Anfield has always been a tough place to play, and we know that very well. We started well, stayed in the game, and never gave up."
"In the end, this is the attitude we need to maintain. We have to start winning— that's the most important thing, it's as simple as that."
Arsenal won 3-0 against Sunderland on Saturday to remain top of the table, with Gyokeres— who joined for £64 million in the summer transfer window— scoring twice.
Mikel Arteta's team are chasing their first Premier League title in 22 years and will face London rivals Brentford on Thursday evening local time. Manchester City will play Fulham the day before Arsenal's away game against Brentford, when the gap at the top of the table could narrow to three points.
Zuucemos
0
Do you mean Manuel Neuer and Ederson aren't world class GKs to you???
He just started watching football in this new era. So don’t blame him bro.
Jabacnostu
0
Excellent analysis, without Donnarumma,city will languish in mid table,This is the first time Guardiola is having the best goalkeeper in his career!
Do you mean Manuel Neuer and Ederson aren't world class GKs to you???
AFerusmc6546
0
That goal from Sobo was as a result of Donnaruma stupidity and arrogance that he's capable of handling any threat.
U r fool u tink everybody can save dat free kick dummy
AFerusmc6546
0
Someone help me carragher he was a average player during is prime Stop the criticism joor
Ur mumu na top notch
Deailorsz
1
very true Carragher
cynacob25
0
the keeper should have saved that free kick from that long distance, he's responsible for that goal but no one will talk about that since city won, credit to Szoboszlai though
That goal from Sobo was as a result of Donnaruma stupidity and arrogance that he's capable of handling any threat.
biebcdmrs
0
Against Manchester United?
you mean that 3 :0 in Etihad
GaddafiJamal
0
I guess he believes he can save the shot, have even said it’s a goal before the guy play the free kick because how can you open such space infront of your box like that, the free kick is close to the box and u open up like that
No, He Didn’t Think Dominic Will Shoot The Ball From There
Showex
0
That’s Because He Underestimated The Whole Situation 🤌
I guess he believes he can save the shot, have even said it’s a goal before the guy play the free kick because how can you open such space infront of your box like that, the free kick is close to the box and u open up like that
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
0
Donnarumma saved us alot this season
Against Manchester United?
GaddafiJamal
0
I only blame him for using two man to block the free kick instead 3 or 4 players. The space was too open with the 2 man and the player use the advantage well
That’s Because He Underestimated The Whole Situation 🤌
Showex
0
the keeper should have saved that free kick from that long distance, he's responsible for that goal but no one will talk about that since city won, credit to Szoboszlai though
I only blame him for using two man to block the free kick instead 3 or 4 players. The space was too open with the 2 man and the player use the advantage well
SirOkolugbo1
0
the keeper should have saved that free kick from that long distance, he's responsible for that goal but no one will talk about that since city won, credit to Szoboszlai though
The keeper didn't stand a chance with that goal,it was a superb strike from Sobozlai , I bet any other keeper would
Notabcinop
4
Someone help me carragher he was a average player during is prime Stop the criticism joor
Sibalmnorz
0
Arsenal will win the epl
Sibalmnorz
0
What a goal from sobo
gudiest01
4
the keeper should have saved that free kick from that long distance, he's responsible for that goal but no one will talk about that since city won, credit to Szoboszlai though
truthisbitter
4
Excellent analysis, without Donnarumma,city will languish in mid table,This is the first time Guardiola is having the best goalkeeper in his career!
BenBenBaite
6
Donnarumma saved us alot this season
madbceilry
0
Holle
Happymura
7
Man City's win gave them a bit of an edge in the title race because it will boost their confidence and may put a panic in Asernal. I can see Arsenal drawing their next game
Stillogh
4
He’s a fantastic Goalkeeper great save and in the late game
FurtherMathsMan
6
What kind of take is this? Even as shitty as Manchester United are Donnarumma can never give be a source of hope to them.